Agenda and Meeting Notes
Deans Council - Feb. 18, 2025
- Preparation for HLC – Robert Klein, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at KUMC, Jen Roberts, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, and Barbara Bichelmeyer, Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence
- Preview of Professional Development Model for Department/Program Chairs – Barbara Bichelmeyer, Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence, Amy Mendenhall, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and Mary Banwart, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development, Mentoring, and Growth
- Math Pathways/Corequisites and English Corequisites – Kim Warren, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Meeting Notes
Preparation for HLC
Robert Klein, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at KUMC, Jen Roberts, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies, and Barbara Bichelmeyer, Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence, briefed deans on preparations for the HLC Site Visit, scheduled for March 3-5.
Several challenges related to our reporting and evidence in our assessment argument were identified at the mock site review in September such as consistency in delivery methods for courses across delivery modes and locations, closing the loop on student learning assessments, syllabus compliance, credit hour alignment, and weak connections between strategic planning and budgeting processes. Updates were shared about ongoing work to address these challenges in anticipation of the Site Visit. Klein, Roberts, and Bichelmeyer emphasized the importance of alignment across campuses, including KUMC, and asked the deans to help ensure faculty, staff, and students are actively involved in the public forums. Roberts presented the tentative schedule for the site visit; the finalized schedule will be shared in the coming weeks.
Preview of Professional Development Model for Department/Program Chairs
Barbara Bichelmeyer, Provost/Chief Academic Officer and Executive Vice Chancellor for Lawrence, Amy Mendenhall, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, and Mary Banwart, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development, Mentoring, and Growth, previewed a proposed professional development model designed to better support department and program chairs. The development effort, which has been in progress for several years, aims to address gaps in supervisory and leadership training for academic leaders.
The model outlines a draft position description for chairs, identifies key management competencies needed for success, strategies for ongoing support, and includes the creation of a KU Council of Academic Leaders to foster collaboration and shared learning. The model also proposes a phased approach to training, including a one-year introductory program for aspiring chairs, a six-month onboarding program for new chairs, and a two-year advanced leadership certificate for more experienced chairs. Deans emphasized the need for tailored training that accounts for varying department structures and chair terms, ensuring the programs are both comprehensive and flexible to meet diverse needs across units.
Deans and vice provosts will provide feedback on the proposed model. Associate deans will also have an opportunity to review the draft before it is shared with department chairs.
Math Pathways/Corequisites and English Corequisites
Kim Warren, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, provided deans with a brief update on the Math Pathways/Corequisites and English Corequisites. A pilot program will be launched in Fall 2025, with full implementation slated for Fall 2026 with all first-year students. Warren requested that deans assist in communicating this initiative to faculty in their respective academic units. Additional information and updates will be shared with the deans.